A Red Pinto shrimp is a result of breeding Taitibee shrimp, these shrimp come in two main colour forms being red and black as well as varying forms of patterns such as Skunk, fishbone, cloud etc.
pH: 5.8-7.4
Temperature: 62-76 °F / 16-24°c
GH: 4-6
KH: 0-4
Total Dissolved Solids: 100-200
Caridina shrimp require soft, acidic water with a KH 0-2 and GH 4-6, easily measured by way of a GH/KH Test Kit. To achieve this many keepers employ the use of a Reverse Osmosis Filter to remove ALL hardness from the source water and remineralise with GH+(calcium and magnesium salts) to the required General Hardness.
Its been well documented that Dwarf Bee Shrimp like slightly acidic water below 6.5PH. Most keepers and breeders all agree that this is easiest to maintain with the use of active substrates. Substrates like ADA Amazonia or Master Soil buffer the water to the correct range required.
Additionally, it is worth noting that active substrates do have an expiry. The soil substrate loses the ability to keep the PH down as it ages and may require changing out after 1-2yrs.
Feeding Caridina Shrimp
When feeding dwarf aquarium shrimp less is often more. Shrimp will feed off decaying material and biofilm available in the aquarium. In fact, many aquarium keepers do not even directly feed their shrimp. Although, with larger shrimp populations supplemental feeding becomes necessary.
Accordingly, in our home and shop aquariums we feed a varied diet of commercially prepared Shrimp Food for the most part.
For more information about keeping Red Pinto shrimp CLICK HERE.